The last few days of any year are committed to a review of God’s blessings and anticipation of what the new year will bring. One of the most amazing gifts of any year is the many pastors and leaders that honor me with the invitation of ministry to their congregation or event. There were very few weekends this year that I did not have such an opportunity. It started in January with ministry from Florida to Minnesota and finished this month at one of my favorite destinations…Jack Fork Assembly of God in southeastern Oklahoma.Many of you have heard my story of Jack Fork or viewed the video documentary of their commitment to Speed the Light (STL).

It was more than twenty years ago that Pam and I, along with our then two small children, first made our way along the asphalt, gravel and dirt roads to a handmade block building eighteen miles from the nearest business. My passion for missions has never been the same.As District Youth Director, I challenged leaders across my home state that any AG church could give at least $1000 to STL. This small church of a few actually believed me. That first goal and gift led to even greater vision. Jack Fork continues to give multiple thousands to missions, based upon the words of the founding pastor, Eva Lois Harris, “People may not even know where our little church is, but it does not excuse us from our part in the Great Commission”. Her daughter and successor, Ruth Deskin, along with her husband Doyle, remain faithful to that commitment.

And once again, Pam and I pulled away from the church and travelled the muddy road with a renewed conviction that we have no excuse in doing ‘our part in the Great Commission’.Thanks to many of you for allowing me to participate in your ‘part in the Great Commission’. As much as I enjoy the Christmas season, it is always a thrill to move on to what God has planned in the coming year. Thank you Lord for allowing us the honor of being in on what You are up to!

These next two weeks are the most incredible time of the year. It is the opportunity to practice what we preach throughout the rest of the year. In Men’s Ministries, we devote much of our pulpit time to challenging men to provide more for their family than a roof over the head, clothes in the closet, a car in the driveway and food in the cupboard.

In my three decades of youth ministry, we expressed it this way, “Children spell love t-i-m-e.”  I must confess that I have often felt that I do a better job of preaching this truth than living it. As much as I love football (I am a college football maniac), the festivities of Christmas (the most wonderful time of the year) and the food, I am determined to not miss the best of Christmas.

I will spend the personal time with my Lord, the dating time with my wife and the fun time with my children and grandchildren. With the years remaining, I plan to improve the practical part of spelling love t-i-m-e. And not just at Christmas. In the words of old Ebenezer Scrooge, “I will keep the spirit of Christmas throughout the year”.

Anyone who knows me will not believe this is happening. Tom Greene with a blog. Here I am, one of the most technologically challenged men in America, committing himself to the world of bloggers. As I have stated many times, I’m still trying to figure out how e-mail saves me time.

I suppose I should place the blame on my team. James Pauls and Darian Amsler are always attempting to drag me into the 21st century. This just may do it. But as I blame these guys, I must also thank them. James has been a faithful right hand for five years and a very special friend even longer. And Darian, thank you for the idea, the design, and the management of this project. Your gifts are a gift to me.

I must admit that my biggest resistance to this was not the fear of technology or the time involved, but the appearance that I would even suspect anyone would be interested in my personal life, family and ministry. But the guys convinced me that my travels, experiences and thoughts just might encourage or better equip others in their life and ministry.

So here it is, welcome to my blog…and my world.